SPLASH!, La Mirada’s new $30 million regional aquatic center, was recently recognized by the California Park and Recreation Society for its excellent design and achievement in neighborhood community life.

“Unlike any other community aquatic center in California, SPLASH! combines water safety, competition and recreational fun,” said Lori Thompson, city of La Mirada aquatics manager.

The award-winning, 18-acre facility includes a therapy spa, a 50-meter pool and a 25-yard pool. The main attraction, however, is Buccaneer Bay, opening this summer.

The pirate-themed park includes water slides, spray areas and a number of other interactive elements.

“I can’t wait to play in it,” said Ezra Silva, 6, who is currently taking swimming lessons at SPLASH!

CPRS Executive Director Jane Adams said CPRS honors community programs that have met and surpassed the awards criteria.

“We are looking for programs who promote participation, strength of community, safety, an increase of cultural unity and protection of the environment,” she said.

CPRS – a nonprofit, public-interest organization – was founded in 1946 to provide resources for residents looking to better their community through parks and recreation programs.

On behalf of CPRS, SPLASH! was given an Award of Excellence for its design and an Achievement Award in the category of Neighborhood/Community Life.

In the process of selecting a candidate, CPRS takes all aspects of the design into consideration.

“We look at the entire process,” said Adams, from the planning process, the maintenance of the facility during and after construction, the design’s effectiveness to the overall affect on the environment.

The park’s awarded design is only one feature of the many other options SPLASH! has available to the public. Thompson encourages families to take part in the swimming lesson programs.

“Currently, drowning is highest cause of death for children under 5,” she said.

Whittier resident Amy Gardea, 36, watched her daughter Olivia, 4, from poolside as she took swim lessons at SPLASH!

“Olivia has been taking lessons since December and we love it,” she said.

The center’s design and features were all ideas originally proposed by La Mirada residents and is one of the reasons why SPLASH! received an achievement award.

“We are the only community park around that captures the needs of the competitive and recreational (swimmer),” Thompson said.

Although the park was established through the city of La Mirada, SPLASH! is open to residents of all nearby communities.

“Our prices are very reasonable for the high quality of the park,” she said.

Admission for a single day of pool use is $3 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. A Buccaneer Bay single day pass is $9 for children and $14 for adults.

The park also offers twilight discounts and season passes. For hours and pricing information, contact the SPLASH! center at (562) 902-3191.